Campaign finance reports – an essential piece of the open and accountable government puzzle – were due yesterday, showing the funds raised and spent by candidates for local office through the end of 2006.

Honestly, I was shocked, and humbled again, when my treasurer passed along the report she filed. It showed I had raised just over $8,500, more than any other alder candidate is likely to report (although many reports are still coming in). The bottom line, I suspect, may bring forth claims of “big money” from those who want to redefine my candidacy. Thanks to some quick calculations by Mary Anglim, a District 12 neighbor and my treasurer, I’m thrilled to see how broad my support is:

• Total contributions: $8,505.94
• Total contributors – 174
• Average contribution = $48.88

Well over half of my contributors are from Madison and those who aren’t are my family and friends. What you won’t see on this report, or any of my reports:

• Contributions from the campaign accounts of other candidates and elected officials. I believe people should give directly and openly to the candidates they support.

• Contributions from Political Action Committees (PACs) or political parties. Again, I think it is best when people make contributions directly.

• Contributions from conduits. Conduits are ways special interest groups, especially landlords, realtors and developers, can bundle contributions and deliver them with a tag from an interest group. While legal, they are a slick way around contribution limits from any one source and often add up to a lot of money.

Making a financial contribution isn’t for everyone, and not everyone is in a position to make a donation. That’s why I’m particularly proud to have an average contribution of less than $50. It helps show that I’m beholden to no one, that I’ve got a broad base of support and that most people can feel like their contribution is a meaningful part of a grassroots campaign. And the sum of these small contributions, when combined with the door to door work I’m doing and the support of dozens of volunteers, means we’re able to get more information to more people. That helps voters in District 12 make an informed choice on February 20th.

Thanks to everyone who has made this such a positive experience. I’m eager to provide active, accessible representation to the residents of District 12.